Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide: what is the difference?
Tirzepatide and semaglutide are two of the most widely used GLP-1 medications. Both are once-weekly injections. Tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors; semaglutide acts on one. Here is how they differ and how your clinician chooses.
Last updated October 2026 · Reviewed by the Nutree Clinic medical team
Side-by-side comparison
| Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors (dual agonist) | Activates GLP-1 receptors |
| Brand names | Zepbound® (weight), Mounjaro® (diabetes) | Wegovy® (weight), Ozempic® (diabetes) |
| How it is taken | Once-weekly injection | Once-weekly injection |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, reduced appetite |
| Other FDA-approved uses (brand) | Obstructive sleep apnea with obesity (Zepbound®) | Cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy®) |
| Nutree Clinic, brand-name | Zepbound®: $120 consult | Wegovy®: $120 consult |
Nutree Clinic offers a Medical Weight Program (from $199 every 4 weeks) and brand-name prescription care ($120 consultation). Compounded versions of these medications are not FDA-approved and were not studied in the clinical trials of the brand-name products.
How your clinician chooses between them
People respond differently, and some tolerate one medication better than the other. That is why the choice is made with a clinician, not from a chart.
Your goals and preferences
What you want from care, and whether you prefer a standard dose or a gentler start with microdosing.
Your health history
Conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease, past GLP-1 use, and other medications.
How you tolerate it
Side effects at your first doses guide the pace of dose increases, or a switch.
About compounded medications
Compounded medications are prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed clinician after a medical assessment, and prepared by a state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy. They do not undergo FDA pre-market review or approval, and they may differ from FDA-approved drugs in effectiveness, safety and side effects. Results from clinical trials of FDA-approved medications should not be used to judge compounded medications.
Tirzepatide and semaglutide carry important safety warnings, including a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents, and risks of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and low blood sugar. Call 911 in an emergency.
Care programs, terms and safety
| Document | Link |
|---|---|
| Nutree Clinic care programs | See our care programs |
| Program terms (prices, billing, what is included) | See program terms |
| Florida Weight-Loss Consumer Bill of Rights | Read the Bill of Rights |
| Medication safety information | See medication safety information |
| Important Safety Information for GLP-1 medications | Read the full safety information |
Frequently asked questions
How does tirzepatide differ from semaglutide?
Tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1) while semaglutide acts on one (GLP-1). Both are once-weekly injections. Neither is the right choice for everyone: your clinician considers your health history, tolerance and preferences.
Do tirzepatide and semaglutide have different side effects?
Both commonly cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation and reduced appetite, mostly when starting or increasing the dose. Both carry the same boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors and share serious warnings such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.
Can I switch from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
Often, yes. Switching is a clinical decision: your clinician reviews your response, side effects and goals, and sets a starting dose for the new medication.
How much do tirzepatide and semaglutide cost at Nutree Clinic?
Nutree's Medical Weight Program starts at $199 every 4 weeks and includes clinician care, shipping and, if prescribed, your medication. For brand-name Zepbound® or Wegovy®, the consultation is $120 and the medication is billed by your pharmacy.
Which one should I start with?
There is no single right answer. A licensed Nutree clinician reviews your history, labs, goals and preferences and recommends the option that fits you, or neither if it is not appropriate.